Waldorf Education

What is Waldorf Education? Is right for you and your family? In this short film “Why Waldorf”, parents recall and explore how they came to the decision to bring their children to Waldorf school.

In North America, Waldorf Education has been available since 1928. It has its roots in the spiritual-scientific research of the Austrian scientist and thinker Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). According to Steiner’s philosophy, anthroposophy, the human being is a threefold being of spirit, soul, and body whose capacities unfold in three developmental stages on the path to adulthood: early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence.

Today, there are more than 1,100 Waldorf schools and over 1,700 kindergartens in 80 countries worldwide. These schools exist in large cities and small towns, suburbs and rural enclaves. They have grown in response to the demand for education that truly meets the needs of childhood at all developmental levels. Waldorf education is the fastest growing education in the world.

History of Waldorf Education

In April of 1919, Rudolf Steiner visited the Waldorf Astoria cigarette factory in Stuttgart, Germany. The German nation, defeated in war, was teetering on the brink of economic, social, and political chaos. Steiner spoke to the workers about the need for social renewal, for a new way of organizing society and its political and cultural life.

Emil Molt, the owner of the factory, asked Steiner if he would undertake to establish and lead a school for the children of the employees of the company. Steiner agreed but set four conditions, each of which went against common practice of the day: 1) that the school be open to all children; 2) that it be co-educational; 3) that it be a unified twelve-year school; 4) that the teachers, those individuals actually in contact with the children, have primary control of the school with minimum interference from the state or from economic sources. Steiner’s conditions were radical for the day, but Molt gladly agreed to them. On September 7, 1919, the first independent Waldorf School (Die Freie Waldorfschule) opened its doors.

Today, with more than 900 Waldorf schools in 83 countries, Waldorf Education is the fastest growing independent educational movement in the world.

Being relatively new to Halton Waldorf, I dove right in and became a P.A. rep for my daughter’s kindergarten class. It was a tremendous opportunity to understand all the work, care, and consideration that goes into running the school. The best interests of the children are truly at heart.

Sarah Nichollparent

It is thanks to Waldorf that I keep a very open mind and am interested in all that goes on around me. I truly love what I do and am constantly learning and eager to learn more…

Kevin RasmussenClass of 1999 Cinematographer

I have had the privilege of experiencing HWS as a student during its humble early days, and now as a teacher as it blossoms. I treasure the years I spent in our little schoolhouse in Campbellville, and now I often marvel at this beautiful building which was designed by teachers and parents together. I know that the school will continue to evolve and grow, and I look forward to the day when my little son will become a second generation “Waldorfian”.

Stephanie TodmanClass Teacher

The class teacher’s deep participation in every aspect of the children’s lives allows her to recognize how to nurture each child to unfold and shine individually within this dynamic, academic and artistic education. The result is that each student graduates with courage in their thoughts and deeds.

Suzanne HillClass teacher

What I find wonderful about the Early Childhood program is that it nurtures the wonder-filled imaginative world of the young child. The toys in the classroom are simple, such as a wooden play stand, which can transform into a house, boat, doctor’s office or anything else the child imagines it to be!

Vanessa RizzottoClass Teacher

I have enjoyed being part of the Parent Association. It has given me the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of how our school works as well as getting to meet some fabulous people!

Cynthia Andersonparent

Visiting gives parents an opportunity to share their values and discover whether our school system is the right one for their child’s education. A mutual exploration of perspectives on what fosters a healthy childhood helps us connect as human beings and brings us right into the heart of the school.

Lylli AnthonFaculty Chair

Autumn has been spectacular. This thought occurs to me each morning I pull into the school parking lot, usually stressed from a morning fraught with rushed bed making, dressing, feeding and getting the children into the car on time — yet all that melts away as I see the bright colours glowing in the morning sunlight of the school’s forested backdrop. First graders are learning skip rope and hop-scotch on the basketball court. Kindergarteners are watching the older grades practise their Micha…

Kerri L.Parent

My son left the public elementary school system in his grade six year and we enrolled him at the Halton Waldorf School. The results have been transformative. He is so happy now at school and has re-discovered his love of learning. He is eager to get to school in the mornings and comes home and completes his homework without reminders. His classroom teacher not only challenges and engages him academically, but supports all the students’ success…read more

Kerry Miller-MacKayParent

As a class teacher that moves through the grades with his students, I am able to observe great changes that take place over time. I start to see my students using skills I have shown them and I can proudly witness each of them overcome obstacles and grow to become more confident and capable young people. It is inspiring to witness childhood unfolding in my students and I feel a real sense of pride that I am involved in the process.